Diocese of Kilmore

Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee Constitution　

Preamble 

We in the Diocese of Kilmore value and encourage the participation of children and young people in all diocesan and parish activities that encourage their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. Recognizing the dignity and rights of all children we will endeavour to do all in our power to create safe environments for children and young people in order to ensure their safety and enable their full participation in the life of the Church.

Purpose

The Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) shall work on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop to develop, direct and manage all aspects of policy implementation, training and support for parishes in the Diocese.

Membership

The membership of the Committee shall be no less than seven persons and no more than twelve. The members shall be drawn principally from those with experience of working with children and young people especially in the fields of education, youth work, parish ministry, medical/health and social services. They shall be appointed by the Diocesan Bishop for a period of three years which term shall be renewable for a further period of three years. Loss of membership shall occur on completion of the term of appointment when notified to the member, by resignation made to the Diocesan Bishop, by dismissal by reason of behaviour unbecoming a member the determination of which shall be at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop. Any member failing to attend three consecutive meetings without a reasonable explanation will lose his / her membership and shall be notified to the member.

Meetings 

The Committee shall have at least four ordinary meetings each year. Extraordinary meetings shall occur as necessary convened by the chairperson or at the request of any three members. A quorum of half the committee members plus one shall be necessary for all meetings.

Officers 

The Committee shall have a Chairperson who shall be appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. A Secretary, whose function it shall be to record minutes and to convene meetings, shall be selected by the Committee by an absolute majority of the members present. The Diocesan Child Protection Coordinator and trainer/s will be in attendance at all meetings but are not members of the committee. The Chairperson may from time to time invite others whose advice may be sought, to attend meetings of the Committee.

In the event of a dispute about the meaning of this Constitution, the Diocesan Bishop shall resolve the matter taking account of the principles contained in the Code of Canon Law.